Aston Villa played out a 0-0 draw with Watford in their final warm-up match ahead of next week’s Championship opener with Hull City.

The match was scheduled in tribute of the late Graham Taylor, who managed both clubs during an illustrious career in football.

It took on extra significance for Villa as their final match before the big kick-off - here’s how the claret and blues rated:

Jed Steer - 7

Steer was presented with a big opportunity to stake his claim in the absence of Sam Johnstone and didn’t disappoint. The goalkeeper was largely untroubled in the first half, although he did have to race from his goal to meet Jerome Sinclair, who fired wide when one on one. Steer produced a decent stop to deny Isaac Success in the second half, but the Watford forward should have scored.

Steer now has three clean sheets in three matches during pre-season.

Alan Hutton - 6

Hutton’s surge into the box gifted Villa the opportunity to win the game from the penalty spot - but Henri Lansbury couldn’t convert on this occasion.

A decent afternoon for Hutton, who heads into the new season as Villa’s first choice right-back.

James Chester - 7

Solid. Chester’s performances are often overlooked because they have become the norm, but he gets better and better each week. Playing next to Terry will only improve him and the pair look to have struck up a decent understanding already.

John Terry

John Terry - 7

A class above. Terry still looks the same player who captained Chelsea to five Premier League titles, five FA Cup crowns, a Champions League and a bundle of football’s other top prizes.

Neil Taylor - 7

Villa’s dependable left-back hasn’t put a foot out of place since joining from Swansea City in January and continues to perform with minimal fuss.

Ahmed Elmohamady - 6

Elmohamady plugged away out wide and delivered a few decent crosses that came to nothing. The Egyptian looks as though he could be very important for Villa this season.

Glenn Whelan

Glenn Whelan - 8

Whelan oozes class and it’s easy to see why Bruce was so desperate to bring him in. The Republic of Ireland midfielder was constantly breaking up Watford attacks and rarely let the visitors gain a foothold.

Henri Lansbury - 6

Lansbury squandered the big moment in the match by missing a second half penalty. The battle between he and Hourihane to partner Whelan in midfield promises to be an intriguing one.

Andre Green - 6

Green has been Villa’s man of pre-season and looks set to start the season in the team. He wasn’t at his best against the Hornets but still provided Craig Cathcart with several nervy moments.

Jack Grealish - 6

Grealish looked sharp before picking up an injury and being replaced after 25 minutes. The Solihull-born playmaker enjoyed a few bright moments, particularly through neat combinations with Gabby Agbonlahor. The injury didn’t look serious and Villa will be hoping he shakes it off in time for next week’s Championship opener.

Gabby Agbonlahor - 7

A man who has been criticised so heavily in the past is giving his all in claret and blue once again. Agbonlahor should have given Villa the lead early on but couldn’t beat Gomes before seeing another effort chalked off for offside.

It’s early days, but this looks a much fitter and willing Agbonlahor than the one supporters have seen at Villa Park in recent years.

SUBS

Leandro Bacuna

Leandro Bacuna (for Grealish, 25) - 6

It was a typical performance from Bacuna, who provided the legs in midfield and gave the ball to his more creative teammates.

Scott Hogan (for Agbonlahor, 54) - 6

The striker tried to make an impact but was working off scraps late on. A few promising darts in behind Watford’s defence should have been spotted by his teammates.

Birkir Bjarnason (for Green, 69) - Bjarnason looks a classy operator but struggled to get to grips with the game as both teams made wholesale changes in the second half.